Israel and Greece sign $3.5 billion Achilles Shield air defense deal
Israel and Greece signed a $3.5 billion deal for Israel to build Greece a multi-layered air defense system, including David's Sling, SPYDER and Barak MX interceptors. Per Reuters.
Israel and Greece signed a €3 billion ($3.5 billion) deal on August 31 for Israel to build a multi-layered air defense system for Greece, called Achilles Shield. Israel's defense ministry called it the country's largest-ever defense export deal with Greece. The system bundles Rafael's David's Sling and SPYDER systems, Israel Aerospace Industries' Barak MX interceptors, and IAI-ELTA MMR radars, plus a new Rafael command-and-control system. David's Sling, used by Israel against Iranian missiles this year, is being sold to Greece as only its second customer after Finland. Greece already spends nearly 3.5% of GDP on defense, more than most NATO members, given its rivalry with Turkey. Athens plans to spend about €28 billion by 2036 to complete Achilles Shield and to buy up to 40 F-35 jets from the US. Sources: Reuters via Defense News, Times of Israel.